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A San Marcos family forced to evacuate their home due to the Cocos Fire didn't lose their home, but lost irreplaceable items after someone broke into their car and stole their valuables. Those items included heirlooms and everything the family was able to grab while evacuating. Vanessa Herrera reports. (Published Sunday, May 18, 2014)

One San Marcos, California, family thought they were in the clear when their home survived the Cocos Fire. But a quick turn of events changed it all.

Randy Calado thought he was doing everything right.

He keeps an emergency preparedness kit in his car stocked with water, food, sleeping bags and other necessities for his family.

So, when Calado's neighbor knocked on his door telling him to evacuate on Wednesday afternoon, he and his family were out of their San Marcos home in about 10 minutes.

Evacuees Reflect on Cocos Fire

NBC 7's Omari Fleming reports on the latest details of the Cocos Fire in San Marcos, and speaks with evacuees about their experiences. (Published Saturday, May 17, 2014)

Calado says in stressful situations, sometimes you can't think about all of the possibilities, especially when you're not sure if you will even have a home after something as devastating as the Cocos Fire.

"It's devastating and I just don't want it to happen to any other family."

Calado suggests keeping the things that are important to you close to you at all times.

Especially during vulnerable times like the May Firestorm when thieves are looking for crimes of opportunity.